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USA’s Largest Free Classical Music Festival

Celebrating over a decade of world-class concerts.

Our mission is to educate, elevate and entertain with the finest concerts for all, whether connoisseur or newcomer to classical music.

The Music

The St. Augustine Music Festival is the largest, FREE classical music festival in the USA. Over 6 days during the last 2 weeks in June, audiences enjoy world-class musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra joining internationally known guest artists to perform in the acoustically splendid St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica. Programs bring audiences everything from Bach to Stravinksy, intimate solo recitals, chamber music ensembles, and full orchestral works... plus world-premier presentations of new works. Thanks to donations and sponsorships, the concerts are open to the public with no paid admission ticket required.

The Venue

The beautiful St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica traces its lineage to 1565, when Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles established St. Augustine in the name of Catholic Spain. The first parish church on the town square was burned in 1586 by British raiders led by Francis Drake. Raids and disasters resulted in the church being destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. In 1793, the cornerstone was laid across the square for a parish church at the site of today's Basilica. The St. Augustine Music Festival - an independent, not-for-profit group - has presented concerts at the Basilica since 2007 through a gracious agreement with the parish.

The Artists

The St. Augustine Music Festival was founded in 2007 by Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra members Jorge A. Peña (viola) and Jin Kim-Peña (cello). They envisioned a free classical music series to celebrate the history and rich cultural traditions of The Nation's Oldest City. The annual festival has become a highlight of the summer season, attracting internationally known performers such as the Diaz Trio, violin virtuoso Elissa Lee Koljonen, guitarist Stephen Robinson, and pianists Scott Watkins and Eugenio Urrutria Borlando. Rising stars such as violinist Nigel Armstrong and living legends such as pianist Leon Fleisher are also on our roster.

Historic St. Augustine: Where Music & the Arts Flourish

We Welcome You To Our Festival Family of Supporters

Join St. Augustine's vibrant artistic community at its finest. Our supporters have embraced this one-of-a-kind treasure, and you will too! Your tax-deductible gift keeps the music alive and thriving for you and for the audiences, young and old, who may not have the financial means to experience the magic and inspiration of world-class performances. Whether a personal donation or a corporate sponsorship, the reward is priceless.